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Lower School | K-5

At Chandler School, the Lower School program nurtures children’s inherent love of learning through a dynamic, hands-on curriculum that sparks curiosity and joy.

Our educators, who are subject experts and innovative collaborators, guide students' social, emotional and academic growth through enriching experiences—from field trips to guest speakers—that connect learning to the world beyond the classroom. By continually returning to and refining our curriculum, they ensure it remains relevant to emerging research and aligned with best practices. This collaborative approach not only challenges but also supports students as they evolve into passionate learners and compassionate community members. 

Our specialists across various disciplines work together to design engaging activities, from creating projects in our Center for Innovation, exploring scientific concepts in our state-of-the-art lab to understanding melodies in the Performing Arts Studio. This tailored learning environment fosters self-confidence, strengthens academic foundations and cultivates a lifelong passion for discovery.

Lower School Program

English Language Arts

Grades K-2 focus on foundational reading skills. Our approach integrates systematic phonics instruction with small group reading instruction to ensure that we meet students where they are and help them progress at their optimal pace. Grade 3-5 students engage in novel studies and activities encouraging critical thinking and deeper comprehension, extending learning beyond the text. We ensure that students hone their capacity as storytellers and researchers, engaging them in meaningful writing opportunities in a variety of genres. Over the course of their time at the Lower School, students draft, revise, and publish narrative, informational and persuasive pieces. All of these components of the English Language Arts curriculum ensure that students enter the Middle School as expert communicators and adept readers who readily share their insights and make connections across content areas.

Math

From kindergarten through 8th grade, we utilize the Illustrative Mathematics (IM) program. This aligned and research-based approach engages K-5 students in a comprehensive math curriculum that prioritizes conceptual understanding, procedural skills and real-world application. Over the course of students’ Lower School experience, they continue to build capacity for partner work and small group discussions around problem-solving, ensuring that they not only learn to collaborate, but also to explain their own mathematical thinking clearly to their peers. This approach fosters a strong mathematical foundation while also cultivating critical thinking, problem-solving skills and a genuine enthusiasm for learning that students carry with them throughout their academic careers and beyond.

Social Studies

Lower School students experience an interactive and engaging journey through history, geography and civics. They will develop essential map skills, explore diverse perspectives and appreciate different cultures through hands-on activities and collaborative projects. As they learn about historical events, students will connect these lessons to current events, encouraging critical thinking on real-world issues. Throughout the program, students will also recognize how each individual fits into the world and the communities they live, fostering a sense of belonging and responsibility.

Spanish

Spanish in the Lower School introduces students to the language through engaging and interactive activities that develop foundational skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. In K-2, students use the Cartilla program, learning the alphabet and vocabulary through songs, games and letter recognition exercises. By 3-5, students expand their vocabulary and language comprehension through more complex reading, writing and speaking activities while also exploring cultural lessons that deepen their understanding of the Spanish-speaking world.

Science

From Kindergarten through 5th grade, students participate in experiential, hands-on activities designed to bring scientific concepts to life. By offering a blend of inquiry-based learning and real-world application, students not only gain knowledge, but also develop critical thinking skills. The goal is for students to leave each class with more questions than they came with, inspiring a deeper curiosity about the natural world.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

Our curriculum is infused with DEI principles, guiding our faculty to create lessons that celebrate diversity, promote equity and encourage inclusion. Anti-bias education—focusing on identity, diversity, justice and action—is a cornerstone, enabling students to appreciate their uniqueness, understand various perspectives and advocate for justice. This approach permeates all subjects, ensuring that our lessons foster understanding and respect for all.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Coordinated by our School Counselor and supported by our classroom teachers, our social-emotional learning approach includes monthly or bi-monthly lessons tailored to each grade level, complemented by parent forums in the fall and spring. Classroom teachers and teaching assistants work with students on developing their capacity to self-regulate, accurately name and express their feelings and navigate conflict or friendship issues. This comprehensive approach supports the emotional and social needs of students and their families, backed by ongoing professional development for our faculty and staff.

Service Learning

At Chandler, we embed caring and compassion into our curriculum, nurturing interconnectedness from family to the global community. Each year, we offer new service opportunities for our students and families, such as assembling care packages and cleaning local natural habitats. Our signature event, Big Service Day, invites the Chandler community to support local nonprofits through various activities, reinforcing our commitment to collective service and community engagement.

Visual Arts

The visual arts program empowers students to harness their creativity while building confidence in their artistic abilities. Students in grades K-5 engage with various media and employ a variety of techniques. For example, students engage in drawing, painting, printmaking, mixed media, sculpture and ceramics. Guided by two full-time, highly experienced art teachers, students learn and create in spacious studios equipped with kilns, printing presses and abundant materials.

Daily Physical Education

Every day, students participate in physical education, learning about fitness, teamwork and the importance of staying active. This daily practice not only improves physical health, but also enhances cognitive and social skills, preparing students for healthy, balanced lives.

  • In K-2, students participate in 30 different weekly units that include various fun activities and games designed to develop key motor skills such as running, hopping, skipping and jumping. With each student receiving equipment to maximize participation, they develop foundational skills in throwing, catching, kicking and striking.
  • In 3-6, the program expands to include 13 additional units focused on individual and team sports. Students engage in fitness activities with strength and endurance exercises while practicing sports skills individually, with partners and in small groups. Unique activities like skateboarding, unicycling, inline skating and biking are also introduced.
Innovation & Maker Space

Our Innovation and Maker Space is where creativity meets technology. Students engage in hands-on projects that require critical thinking and problem-solving, using tools from 3D printers to robotics kits. These activities prepare them for the technological challenges of the future.

Music

The music program offers an enriching experience that fosters a love of music, builds confidence and encourages teamwork through performance. Students in grades K-5 develop their musical skills by engaging in singing, movement and music theory within a supportive environment. A key feature of the program is the chance to perform in two annual concerts—the Holiday Concert and the Spring Sing—during which students showcase their talents through a diverse selection of songs, celebrating both their musical achievements and the sense of community at Chandler.

Library

The Lower School library program nurtures students’ love of reading while supporting their academic and emotional growth. Through weekly library classes, students explore the world of books. These lessons build upon Chandler’s English language arts curriculum, from building early reading skills in Kindergarten to developing research skills and an understanding of media literacy by 5th grade. Working alongside the DEI office, the library program also incorporates books that honor cultural heritage months, fostering inclusivity. Parents also play a special role, joining as guest readers to share beloved stories with their children’s classes.